Photo/submitted
Grafton – Apple Tree Arts (ATA) will present “Disney’s The Aristocats Kids” Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19, at 7 p.m. at the Grafton Middle School, 22 Providence Road. The show features actors in grades two to five. Tickets cost for $10 adults; $8 for seniors and children 5 and older; free for 4 and younger. Tickets will be sold at the door.
Come and be entertained in the city of light with the adventures of Duchess, a society cat and her three Aristokittens. The excitement begins after Duchess’s wealthy owner Madame wills her entire estate to the feline family. Edgar, the jealous butler kidnaps and deserts them in the countryside. Only Thomas O’Malley, a tough alley cat and his band of rag-tag, swinging jazz cats can save the day.
“The Aristocats Kids” is a popular Disney musical that works well for a large cast because of its many dynamic ensemble numbers, engaging music and non-stop action,” said Lisa Scarlett,
ATA theatre arts director. “Disney musicals have many fine qualities that families find endearing. They have fond memories of enjoying them with their own children.”
She is co-directing the double-casted play with theatre arts faculty member Laurie Baker. Patrick Bartosiewicz, Katherine Dowling, Cassie Lobe, Emily Mossey and Kelsey Sidman are assisting them. Ashley Scarlett is the stage manager.
The cast includes 38 actors from Grafton, Sutton, Millbury, Douglas and Bellingham. Grafton actors include: Madeline and Lilya Bazinet, Caroline and Julia Chaisson, Riya Dalal, Alena Duval, Belle Geoffroy, Molly Grace, Alison Graves, April Harnett, Caelan Laverty, Natalie Leonard, Owen Mathieu, Maggie McLean, Kendra Miner, Amanda and Audrey Murdock, Maggie Mussler, Caroline Nelson, Lily Often, Rowan Paulman, Haleigh Reynolds, Brody Riolo, Anne Roney, Dylan and Jenna Rowe, Catherine and Colin Spinney and Anna and James Woodbury. Sutton actors include Samantha Fadden, Isabella Marios, Erica Steele and Lily Sullivan. Millbury actors include Kaitlyn Garden and Riley Gobron. Aidan Giunta is from Douglas. Paige Rahman is from Bellingham.
Several parents and volunteers are contributing to the production. Dawn Geoffroy is working on costumes assisted by Julie Grace. Tom Desimone is creating set pieces to compliment the beautiful Parisian backdrop. Ron Burke is responsible for sound while Ian Scarlett is doing the lighting. Parents also are promoting the show, coordinating refreshments, assisting with make-up, creating the marquee, selling tickets and star grams.
Founded in 1989, Apple Tree Arts is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization that has grown to serve over 1,000 children and adults annually with early childhood music classes, group keyboard lessons, private music and voice instruction, ensembles, theatre arts programs and community concerts year-round. For more information, visit www.appletreearts.org